I know this can be controversial but with everyone tired of the heatwave, perhaps we can focus on what happens in the cooler months? Share ideas for a more economic Ch****mas?
I feel sad for families who will struggle in the coming festive season - or whatever you call it. Wintermas perhaps? I received an offer from Tesco to join their Ch****mas savings club. It offers about 5% on top of your ordinary clubcard vouchers. You can add anything up to £350 of your own money until October. This is far more 'interest' [if you look at it this way] than banks offer. Tesco will give you vouchers in November for your 'big' shop. A great idea instead of awful Ch****mas savings clubs which often go bankrupt. I'm sure the mods will agree, it is wise never to join these clubs or borrow from a loan shark; the interest is huge, often 100%. Otherwise, it is sensible to join an official credit union, where losses if the CU fails are covered by law so you don't lose your money.
With seasonal cake ingredients costing up to £30 [8" cake with marzipan and icing], this is a huge dent in the budget. This year I discovered Manor House Cake, which is delicious, has far less fruit and can be topped with marzipan + icing. Making your own, you use less sugar than shop-bought Mr K's! This year I have an air fryer which uses a lot less fuel and is easier to clean than a conventional oven. I'm going for ready cooked sliced beef and chicken, rather than a joint I'll never eat or hard-to-get-rid-of carcase - especially if your recycling is once a fortnight.
It's a good time to buy gifts and wrap them - charity shops are stuffed with potential goodies. Also, buy some for yourself! I wrap mine then by the day I've forgotten what's inside! Planning is a lot of fun, especially decorations you can make from bits and pieces, garden twigs, old clothes etc.
